Windows 7 RC Mini FAQ

[Kevin.]

I thought I'd make a mini FAQ about the Windows 7 RC to clear up the confusion around here.

When will the RC be out?

The RC has been leaked, and Microsoft has confirmed that it will be available to MSDN/TechNet April 30th, General Public May 5th. The RC has the build string of 6.1.7100.0.winmain_win7rc.090421-1700.

Is build 7077 the RC?

No. Build 7077 is not the RC. It is the RC Escrow build.

What's this RC Escrow I keep hearing about?

An RC Escrow is an internal RC. Basically they test it for any showstopper bugs. If none are found, then it will be declared the final RC.

What about build 7105? What's this I keep hearing about build 7077 and build 7105 being the same?

Builds 7077 and 7105 were complied on the same day. Microsoft changed the second number to reflect the next milestone in development. 7077 onwards for RC escrow is part of the winmain_win7rc branch and 7105 onwards is part of the winmain branch. Sources are saying that the RC will be renamed to build 7100.

Can I upgrade from the beta or leaked builds to the RC?

While it's technically possible to do so, Microsoft does not recommend you do an upgrade, but rather do a clean install instead. This is to avoid any problems that can come about when upgrading.

What does RTM mean? When will the final version of Windows 7 come out? What will the pricing be?

RTM stands for release to manufacturing. This is the final version of the software. Sometimes general availability of the software comes after the RTM stage, as is usually the case with Windows.

There is no set date for the final version of Windows 7 yet, but it's expected to be released sometime later this year. No specific pricing details have been released yet either. We'll probably see more details on pricing as we get closer to the final release.

Speaking of pricing, it's possible to legally get Windows 7 at a discounted price or even for free. Here's how:

1. Between June 26, 2009 and January 31, 2010, any new computer purchased with Windows Vista will qualify for a free upgrade to Windows 7. So if you've been planning on purchasing a new PC in the near future, you should hold off just a little while longer.

2. Check and see if your school is with the MSDNAA or Microsoft Developers Network Academic Alliance. If they are, check with their specific MSDNAA site when the final version of Windows 7 comes out to see if they distribute it.

3. Check with Microsoft DreamSpark. This is a special site from Microsoft that gives out free software to people who have a valid e-mail address from any of the qualifying schools listed. It's possible they could put Windows 7 up there once it's released.

4. If you're in the US, Canada or Europe, and are in school, there's a site called Journey Ed that gives out software and other kinds of products at a discount. You just need to show them some kind of proof.

If I missed anything, or something needs to be corrected, let me know, and I'll edit my post accordingly.

Edited April 25, 2009 by Kevin.

[lee31]

Hmm, You could have put that 7077 onwards for RC escrow is part of the winmain_win7rc branch and 7105 onwards is part of the winmain branch.

You could also have mentioned that you won't be able to upgrade from the beta or leaked builds to the final RC for the few people that do upgrade instead of clean installing. I've seen many people ask if it will be possible with people incorrectly answering yes when it won't be.

Also you could have explained what RTM means. I'm sure there's people out there that don't know. I do but I can't be bothered typing anymore.

[wehavetogoback]

This thread should be pinned :rolleyes:

[Kevin.]

Hmm, You could have put that 7077 onwards for RC escrow is part of the winmain_win7rc branch and 7105 onwards is part of the winmain branch.

You could also have mentioned that you won't be able to upgrade from the beta or leaked builds to the final RC for the few people that do upgrade instead of clean installing. I've seen many people ask if it will be possible with people incorrectly answering yes when it won't be.

Also you could have explained what RTM means. I'm sure there's people out there that don't know. I do but I can't be bothered typing anymore.

Thanks for the suggestions! I added them to the FAQ.

[DerAusgewanderte]

I thought I'd make a mini FAQ about the Windows 7 RC to clear up the confusion around here.

...

If I missed anything, or something needs to be corrected, let me know, and I'll edit my post accordingly.

great post. you may want to add where build 7106 fits into this picture.

thanks

[+kpo6969 Subscriber¹]

http://icrontic.com/articles/charting-windows-7-development

http://www.thehotfix.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=23319

[majortom1981]

Hmm on the technet site (i am a technet plus member) its says at tech-ed attendees will get the rc. So mmaybe the May 15 (teched is may 11- may 15)is when it will be released to technet and msdn members and later then that for the public?

[Inctye]

Hmm on the technet site (i am a technet plus member) its says at tech-ed attendees will get the rc. So mmaybe the May 15 (teched is may 11- may 15)is when it will be released to technet and msdn members and later then that for the public?

It's already unofficially confirmed on a Technet download page that the public will get RC on May 5th (might want to add this to the OP). With that said, technet/msdn subscribers will probably get priority download one week before.

[Kevin.]

First posted updated with the release date and build string for the RC.

[scrtsqurrl]

So what build is RC 7100 really? Obviously it was artificially designated.

[Brandon Live Veteran]

Huh? What does "artificially designated" mean?

[wguimb]

Hey Brandon, does that cute puppy ever get bigger? Need an updated photo dude.

Is your latest code included in the RC? Indexer and Start++.

[HappyAndyK]

A nice read on W7 RC at http://i.gizmodo.com/5226696/windows-7-rel...se-new-features

[briangw]

Am I missing something here? I thought Virtual XP Mode was included in RC 1. If it is, where is it????

Oh, NM. Found elsewhere that it's not available "yet."

[undu]

I don't know if it's the best place to ask, but I want to try the RC and I've forgotten where did I save the beta key I was given, is there any way I can consult it?

[Kevin.]

I don't know if it's the best place to ask, but I want to try the RC and I've forgotten where did I save the beta key I was given, is there any way I can consult it?

You can get a key here.

[Loso]

i downloaded this build: 7100.0.090421-1700_x86fre_client_en-us_Retail_Ultimate-GRC1CULFRER_EN_DVD

on April 28th, is it the same as the newly released RC build?

[Kevin.]

i downloaded this build: 7100.0.090421-1700_x86fre_client_en-us_Retail_Ultimate-GRC1CULFRER_EN_DVD

on April 28th, is it the same as the newly released RC build?

Yes. The public release is exactly the same as the leaked release.

[Visentinel]

I am running windows 7 RC build 7100 as my main and only OS, when the RTM is released i wont be able to use straight away as it takes time to get the action pack updates or if it isnt a free update i need to wait for work to buy the next action pack.

I want to know

1. Will i get updates via windows update for windows 7 between now and the RTM release

2. will i continue to get updates via windows update after it goes RTM

3. Most importantly !! does the RC expire prematurely if the RTM is released before the current expire date of the RC ?

I have looked at a few FAQ's and these questions dont seem to show up, maybe its not frequently asked lol.

[Kevin.]

I am running windows 7 RC build 7100 as my main and only OS, when the RTM is released i wont be able to use straight away as it takes time to get the action pack updates or if it isnt a free update i need to wait for work to buy the next action pack.

I want to know

1. Will i get updates via windows update for windows 7 between now and the RTM release

2. will i continue to get updates via windows update after it goes RTM

3. Most importantly !! does the RC expire prematurely if the RTM is released before the current expire date of the RC ?

I have looked at a few FAQ's and these questions dont seem to show up, maybe its not frequently asked lol.

1. Yes. There will be updates (if any) between the RC and RTM.

2. I'm not sure. You may or may not.

3. No. The RC will expire on the date it's set up expire, giving you more than enough time to upgrade to the final release.

[ccoltmanm]

Heads up, you guys can update the OP.

[HostileGamer]

Just to quickly clarify...

I have build 7100 installed as my only OS. When Windows 7 gets released will I be able to get an upgrade version of it or do I have to purchase a full version?

[BeerFan]

Just to quickly clarify...

I have build 7100 installed as my only OS. When Windows 7 gets released will I be able to get an upgrade version of it or do I have to purchase a full version?

An Upgrade version will only get you from XP or Vista to Win7... not from Win7 Release Candidate to Win7 Full.

[HostileGamer]

An Upgrade version will only get you from XP or Vista to Win7... not from Win7 Release Candidate to Win7 Full.

So I'm going to have to re-install Vista just to install Win7 upgrade? I sure hope the full "Home Premium" version is only like $99.00 for the full copy.

[DSLJay]

So I'm going to have to re-install Vista just to install Win7 upgrade? I sure hope the full "Home Premium" version is only like $99.00 for the full copy.

Hopefully, all that will be required is to show that you have the disc for Vista and then you can do a clean install without the need to reinstall Vista.